Explore with New Zealand Self Drive Tours

5 to 9 Day New Zealand tour itineraries.

Short of time to explore New Zealand? These self drive tour itineraries are designed to make the most of a five to nine day NZ visit. They offer carefully selected routes, destinations and attractions that add up to a memorable New Zealand experience. Find a tour itinerary that you like and talk to us about customising it to suit your travel preferences perfectly.

8 days from Christchurch to Christchurch

One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Islands beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your 'taste of the south'.more

7 days from Auckland to Wellington

A highlights tour travelling from Auckland to Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Wellington. Experience the luxury of 5 star hotels in Auckland and Wellington, a spectacular lakeside lodge in Rotorua and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.more

7 days from Queenstown to Wellington

You begin in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown and finish in the quirky capital city of Wellington in the North Island. Along the way you’ll visit Christchurch, Mt Cook National Park and the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura before crossing the Cook Strait to the North Island. more

8 days from Wellington to Queenstown

From Wellington take the stunning journey on the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton where you’ll follow the Pacific Ocean coast south through the marine wildlife mecca of Kaikoura to Christchurch. After 2 nights in Christchurch you’ll cross the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps and Mt. Cook National Park. The final leg of your travels takes you to the alpine resort of Queenstown.more

8 days from Auckland to Auckland

Explore the highlights of the North Island including the Bay of Islands and Rotorua, 2 of the most popular destinations. In the Bay of Islands you’ll take a cruise amongst the many islands home to an abundance or marine wildlife, including dolphins which you might be lucky enough to see. In Rotorua you’ll enjoy a thrilling cultural encounter at Mitai Maori Village and you’ll return to Auckland via the fascinating limestone formations and glow worm caves of Waitomo.more

9 days from Queenstown to Wellington

This 9 day tour starts in the Queenstown in the heart of the Southern Alps for an unforgettable holiday touring the South Island highlights and finishing in the ‘Coolest Little Capital’ Wellington City.more

9 days from Christchurch to Christchurch

This 9 day scenic route will give you a wonderful introduction to the natural wonders of the South Island. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park and Milford Sound. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your South Island holiday.more

Very pleasant touring the South Island. It seemed by going clockwise we were in much less traffic. Everything from motels to activities went off as planned. Selection of motels was very good, especially on the first half of the trip, a couple on the second half were a bit worn. Hope to get back to tour the North Island in 2020. Read more

Jenny Morgan and Kristy Jordan, South Island Escape, travelled on 24th January 2019

I’m writing to you from the airport in Auckland on February 14. We’re heading back home to Denver this evening, after truly the best vacation of our lives. Thank you for all your work on our behalf. We couldn’t be happier with New Zealand Self Drive Tours and your work in particular. 100% of the details you arranged for us worked out wonderfully. We loved every place we stayed and every adventure we experienced. Each of your recommendations were fantastic for us. We are thrilled with the 3 weeks we spent in NZ. And so grateful for your help. We will be back. We hope you can keep our records open and active. We anticipate reaching out to you for help again in the future. Now, if you could just help us become New Zealand residents, we would be indebted to you forever :-). God bless you. And thank you very much. Read more

Nick, Mary Beth and Bryan Adams, New Zealand North and South Adventure Holiday, Travelled on 20th January 2019

Fantastic vacation! Amanda D. did a phenomenal job of putting together a terrific itinerary. Details were well organized and easy to follow. We would definitely use NZ Self Driving Tours (and Amanda D.) again should we make another trek to New Zealand! Read more